Customer Testimonials

``In terms of the extension, this is about the best I’ve seen in terms of people wanting to extend these houses``

Mr Rodgers. Planning Officer, South Derbyshire District Council

Architect-Meeting-In-Allestree-Derby

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Chris NaylorChris Naylor
10:29 20 Jul 22
We needed an Architect for a rear extension to our house in Allestree. Stuart provided excellent ideas and designs, and with his assistance, planning permission has been promptly permitted. Top job from a friendly & professional chap.
Jodie RobinsonJodie Robinson
10:40 22 Jun 22
We were recommended Stuart's architectural services by friends as he had designed their house and it worked brilliantly. We hoped he could do the same for us.He really listened, gave great advice and provided two design solutions that included internal changes, a single-storey extension and a loft conversion. We were so happy with them. He obtained our planning permission and our builder was then able to use the drawings to price more accurately.We would thoroughly recommend Stuart to anyone thinking of improving their home.Mr & Mrs Robinson, Derbyshire
Daniel OakleyDaniel Oakley
17:19 18 May 22
We were keen to explore the options of an loft conversion and a local magazines article recommended Extended Ideas' architectural services.At first, Stuart from Extended Ideas listened to our lifestyle needs: more office space, more bedrooms, minimum disruption to the first floor and to blend in with the original externally. We wanted to explore a design without roof dormers.He explored the loft space, the best location for the new staircase and discussed possibilities with us. We saw 3D plans and visuals of two design options, which really helped us feel we were considering all the possibilities.The designs were so original, we discovered that builders also found the visuals beneficial when providing quotes and as keen to be part of something unique.Stuart, submitted our chosen design to the council and we have just received the great news that planning approval has come through much earlier than expected so we can get to work!We have found that what Extended Ideas does is Invaluable. Stuart clearly knows his stuff we would recommend him ten times over if anyone wants any work done on their house
Ian BadhamsIan Badhams
14:35 18 Mar 22
We have been in our newly renovated living kitchen and garage conversion for nearly 4-months now and I am really pleased with how it has turned out.Stuart provided 3D plans and visuals of two different design options. One with an extension and the other with a garage conversion. What this helped within my mind was cementing the decision not to extend.Most people just naturally think I need more space, I'll extend. This would have been the worst thing, with hindsight, we could have done. If we have had done it blind-sighted and extended. We would have ended up with less garden space and it would all still have been incomplete. Making better use of your existing space is what it's all about and saves money along the way.Our home renovation fell within budget and we're so happy with the outcome.
Meg StampMeg Stamp
09:34 17 Mar 22
For several years we have been trying to envisage the perfect design for our home renovation, to provide us with the perfect living kitchen and extension. So many different ideas confused us, and nothing was ever perfect.We searched  the internet to see if there was help out there. We came across an  architectural design service and thought, we'll give it a go.  Stuart gave great professional advice, was  friendly, and put us at ease. He clearly understood exactly what we needed, and we couldn't wait to see what his input would provide.The designs show 2D and 3D plans and internal and external visuals that we could have never envisage. This meant we could proceed with our project.Now it's complete, we can honestly say that Stuart's involvement made our dream home possible and can't thank him enough.
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We have been living in our home renovation for over a year now and we are so happy with it.

 

Originally we contemplated commissioning a large architectural practice, but we became aware of Extended Ideas. Stuart showed us two design concepts that consisted of 2D, 3D plans and visuals. This allowed us to revaluate our needs and desires. A third design was provided and we were confident that this one would be best for us.

 

Not putting the correct amount of design emphasis into your project may appear that you are saving money, but this is short term and any initial errors or omissions will be there to remind you in years to come. You will be living with design faults that should have been sorted prior to any construction.

 

Stuart’s process made us discover how to use space more efficiently. This revelation meant we could not justify extending upstairs, thus saving us around £30,000.

 

Stuart worked alongside our local council planning department, applied for pre-application advice, produce planning drawings and handled the whole planning process. The process went very smoothly and planning was granted without hiccups.

 

We love living in our new large, sunlit, open plan kitchen. It enables us to sit and look out onto our garden. The rear extension gives lots of sunlight and privacy, it doesn’t overshadow our neighbours. It all works perfectly and is everything we have asked for.

 

Thank you, Stuart

Mr & Mrs Flanaghan, Etwall, Derbyshire.
April 2022
As seen on Google Reviews.

Stuart was recommended to me by a friend. He had done some living kitchen drawings and she said that he gave them so much more space and different ideas to consider. I commissioned him on 29th January 2019 on a house in Willington that had not been updated much since 1960.

 

I found Stuart easy to work with and he very much listened to all my ideas for the house. He kept me up to date all the way through the process.

 

Today he presented me with Two drawings allowing me now to visualise the house and its possibilities. He was so professional, never pushy and completely focused on what I wanted. I also felt his architectural service was very reasonably priced.

 

–2022 Update…My house renovation was completed over 2-years ago and the space is amazing.–

 

It doesn’t resemble anything like the original house; helped by the addition of bi-fold doors, open-kitchen and loft conversion with windows over looking the garden. The open plan kitchen/diner is where the two downstairs bedrooms were and I wanted the kitchen at the back of the house.

 

Stuart’s drawings helped me to envisage this. The dormer room was all new with main bedroom and en-suite bathroom and again it was Stuart’s drawings that helped me and the builders to create this beautiful space. The renovation was designed so it did not require planning permission and was within permitted development rights.

 

Also, Stuart’s drawings were a massive help with the builder and kitchen designer. The builder used these drawings for all the structural work that was needed.

 

The road on which my house is one of the nicest in Willington. And for me to be able to turn it into my forever home was wonderful. The whole design is exactly what I now realise I wanted.

 

I found Stuart really easy to work with and he listened to all the plans I had and then put this into a drawing which was exactly as I wanted. This is my forever home.

 

Thank you again, Stuart.

Mrs Rogers, Willington, Derby.
April 2022
As seen on Google Reviews.

We have used Stuart for two projects now and are extremely happy.

 

The first project he did was a single-storey kitchen extension to the rear of our house and we have been here for over 3 years. At the beginning of the project, we asked for one design as we felt confident in our needs and required an architect’s input.

 

He improved how our design, making it better than we originally visualised and seeing it in a 3D Plan and 3D visuals really helped us.

 

As the project didn’t require a planning application, Stuart promptly submitted plans to the council for a lawful development certificate because we wanted to legally make sure everyone was okay before we started building using the drawing to build from, everything went smoothly at and now we really enjoy living in the space.

 

With the second project, alterations to the front of our house, we had a completely different mindset. We looked at the space, wondered what to do with it and how to get the most out of it. Keen to get a Stuart’s perspective on things we asked him for two different design options. Seeing the two designs side by side we felt that we could make the right decisions.

 

Stuart took our chosen design through planning with no-problems. He chased-up the planners when necessary and kept us informed at every step.

 

Now we can’t wait to get started with the build. We feel the changes will maximise the space, give an air of something much larger than the plot suggests and give a wonderful feeling of space.

 

We have been thrilled with Stuart’s service on both occasions, we couldn’t have asked for any more and would recommend Stuart without any hesitation. There is no doubt we will be speaking to him again about other projects.

Robert, Spondon, Derby.
May 2022
As seen on Trustpilot Reviews

Do not jump to extend, see if you can make better use of your existing space…

 

We have been in our newly renovated living kitchen and garage conversion for nearly 4-months now and I am really pleased with how it has turned out.

 

Stuart provided 3D plans and visuals of two different design options. One with an extension and the other with a garage conversion. What this helped within my mind was cementing the decision not to extend.

 

Most people just naturally think I need more space, I’ll extend. This would have been the worst thing, with hindsight, we could have done. If we have had done it blind-sighted and extended. We would have ended up with less garden space and it would all still have been incomplete. Making better use of your existing space is what it’s all about and saves money along the way.

 

Our home renovation fell within budget and we’re so happy with the outcome.

Mr Badhams, Shenstone (near Lichfield).
April 2022
As seen on Trustpilot Reviews

For several years we have been trying to envisage the perfect design for our home renovation, to provide us with the perfect living kitchen and extension. So many different ideas confused us, and nothing was ever perfect.

 

We searched  the internet to see if there was help out there. We came across an  architectural design service and thought, we’ll give it a go.  Stuart gave great professional advice, was  friendly, and put us at ease. He clearly understood exactly what we needed, and we couldn’t wait to see what his input would provide.

 

The designs show 2D and 3D plans and internal and external visuals that we could have never envisage. This meant we could proceed with our project.

 

Now it’s complete, we can honestly say that Stuart’s involvement made our dream home possible and can’t thank him enough.

Mrs Stamp, Shelton Lock, Derby.
March 20222
As seen on Google Reviews.

My extension is built now, it is fantastic! Stuart’s made it into a great space, much better than other extensions I have seen.

I had never done anything like this before; however, he offered lots of above and beyond advice. Great visual plans and my builder was able to work with them which made it easier.

 

I spent £70,000 on the extension and his fee was 1.5% of this. I have pointed a friend in his direction who has recently commissioned him.

 

Excellent – I would highly recommend!

Sharron Perrett, Alvaston, Derby.
10th November 2020

2013 – 2019 Testimonials

Stuart completely re-designed our home to be open plan living, which is now built. We are thrilled with the space and it’s perfectly designed for a young family. It works so well for us! Thanks

Joanne Smith, Chellaston, Derby.
10th July 2018

Stuart spent time to understand what we wanted and his plans were exactly what we were hoping for. He has a great personal touch and really easy to have in our home.

Lisa & Gary Shapcott, Chaddesden, Derby
20th October 2017

“I didn’t really know what we wanted other than an extension and for the room layout to work better.

 

We brought Stuart in and he really did listen and produce two great designs. He brought it to our attention that we could get a better outcome with a smaller design, thus saving us money. He produced 2D and 3D designs which we could easily understand.

 

The clarity made communication with the builder very straightforward. We decided to merge both designs together to get all of his ideas in. Thank you Stuart for all your great support, advice and making my house great.”

Lesley Burns, Littleover, Derby.
10th April 2017

“Thank you so much for bringing our dreams to life! Now our living kitchen is built, we can fully reflect. We didn’t want an extension, we just wanted to knock down a wall and create a larger, better room. You took our basic idea and painted a picture that really helped us visualise how to make the best use of all the space that we had. We would not have achieved our beautiful kitchen without you. Getting the right vision at the start made the whole end to end process painless, the builder could easily see what we wanted to achieve and used the drawings as a blueprint.”

Andrew & Sarah Lee, Mickleover
Derby. 15th June 2017

“A friend had previously used Stuart’s servive and was keen to reccomend him to us and invited us round to look at his design built, it looked great! We wanted him on board because we were really struggling to visualise what was possible and the output has really helped us understand the possible. Great designs and help turned basic brief into something great!”

Ben & Sarah Brown, Spondon, Derby.
15th May 2017

“Stuart was great, enabling us to visualise what we wanted. He maintained contact with us throughout the design process and listened to our needs. He was really invested in our project and passionate about the design. Being able to visualise the design was a massive help.”

Cathy & Tom Burton, Chellaston, Derby. 15th March 2018

“We just wanted to say a really big thank you for all your help with our new kitchen designs.

 

We did not have a clue on where to start when thinking of our new kitchen extension but after finding your website we were soon on our way.

 

From the very first stage we found you really helpful, loved the idea that you come out to visit to first talk through how you work and what the process would be step by step. It gave us the confidence to go forward and progress to a brilliant new kitchen extension design and plan we love! would highly.

 

We highly recommend your expert service. Thank you so much.

Colleen Ferris, Trowell, Notinghamshire.
15th May 2017

“Stuart’s suggestion was something we’d not considered, they will make a huge improvement to our house. We are very excited! Stuart, thank you.”

Ian & Blinda Elliott, Hilton, Derbyshire.
8th March 2017

“It has been so useful to see the options and we are really happy with our plans. Can’t wait to get started with the building work”

Stan Killigrew, Spondon, Derby.
1st March 2017

“Stuart has been really helpful and accommodating, giving us guidance on how to proceed without extension. The plans have given us a great idea of how the finished project will look. would highly recommend him.”

Tim & Sharon Coltman Staple Hill, Burton upon Trent
February 2017

Helpful open discussion, so I felt I had considered all the options before committing.

Angela Bowen, Alrewas, Lichfield.
12th December 2016

“A very positive experience dealing with Stuart. He is an excellent communicator who has taken a lot of time in assessing our requirements.”

John & Chris May, Duffield, Derby.
20th November 2016

“Stuart was very helpful throughout and I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.”

Peter Wilson, Wollaton, Nottingham.
31st October 2016

“We are delighted with the work that Stuart and Extended Ideas has completed for us.

 

He listened carefully to our brief, capturing our requirements and transforming them into an innovative set of options for us to consider and then use with building contractors. These contractors have subsequently commented on how good the plans are.

 

The quality and accuracy of the work was excellent and we would be delighted to recommend Stuart at Extended Ideas to others.”

Brian & Kerry Stanton, Mickleover, Derby.
17th August 2016

“Service was professional, designs incorporated all our requirements. Excellent service provided.”

Marcia Patterson, Shelton Lock Pre-School, Shelton Lock, Derby.
25th July 2016

“I really think the 3D visuals will help to reassure all the parents that it will all be worth it in the end! Many thanks for all your input, it has been very helpful and everyone has had nothing but positive comments about the overall view of the project, all we need to do now is build it!”

Gary Holmes, Stepping Stones Nursery, Nottingham.
10th July 2015

“We loved the plans. Stuart really made our ideas come to life, and we can’t wait to get started. Exactly what we wanted!”

Nikki Payne, Branston, Burton.
16th June 2016

“Stuart is very friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. The plans and 3D visualisations have really helped us see the possibilities for our house.

 

Stuart has taken a lot of time to ensure that he understood our requirements.”

Mr & Mrs Chambers, Heatherton Village, Littleover
Derby. 13th June 2016

“After seeing visualisations of new worktops and units by a kitchen fitter, we sensed there were better possiblities by altering the house. A local builder offered a quick sketch, but we felt our home deserved more expertise and turned to Extended Ideas.

 

We found Stuart exceptionally professional with substantial creative ideas suiting our property and provided great advice. The 3Ds were masssively beneficial, you can even rotate the image around to see the room from a different angle. We highly reccomend Stuart’s visualisation service and look forward to inviting him round when we complete the build.”

Mr & Mrs Guilford, Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
24th May 2016

“Stuart helped us understand the best option regarding the flow of our house. He listened to our main ‘wants’ and helped us see the full potential of the house. After 12 months of not really knowing what we wanted we now have the idea to move a build forward.”

Andrew Verey, Long Eaton.
10th May 2016

“I used Extended Ideas 4 months ago, and acted on Stuart’s advice. We now have the all-clear from the planning authority. I asked builders to quote from the visualisations and then selected my builder. Now, we are almost ready to start building!

 

Thank you, Stuart, for all your help and advice.”

Michelle Sims, Allestree, Derby.
10th May 2016

“Stuart produced two alternative schemes after listening carefully to our requirements. We found him to be very helpful and pleasant to work with. The resultant 3D drawings illustrated our requirements and will be very helpful when contacting those who will carry out the work.”

Mr & Mrs Hartshorn, Heanor, Derbyshire.
5th May 2016

“The service provided by Extended Ideas surprised us. It surprised us because it vastly exceeded our expectations. The finished project enabled us to instantly visualise what the final build would achieve. Dimensions were accurate and the 3Ds superb!”

Mr & Mrs Quinn, Mackworth, Derby.
22nd April 2016

“Stuart has provided an excellent visualisation of design showing new and unknown solutions which on discussion has provided all our aspirations. His design discussions and expertise both on the phone and at home has been extremely helpful. I would recommend employing him to visualise ideas.”

Mr & Mrs Charlesworth, Duffield.
15th April 2016

“Stuart is a really nice guy. He is approachable, very helpful and full of really good ideas. Time spent with us wasn’t rationed.”

Mr & Mrs Wragg, Darley Abbey, Derby.
14th April 2016

“Thank you for your visit to my home. Both my husband and I found your visit extremely beneficial.”

Dee Quinn, Mackworth, Derby.
20th March 2016

“Stuart, brilliant designs, very helpful and informative.

 

Thanks :)”

Joanne Smith, Chellaston, Derby.
13th March 2016

“I would be happy to recommend Stuart. He is very helpful, a pleasure to work with and provides an excellent service.”

Michelle Sims, Allestree, Derby.
4th February 2016

“Stuart gave clear and concise information on my project and injected new ideas that I previously never thought of. He was quick and efficient with all information.”

Martin Baker, Burton.
23rd November 2015

“Stuart’s drawings, support and advice put our ideas into context and was a massive help.”

Wendy Smith, Draycott, Derbyshire.
19th November 2015

“Clear and concise advice giving more creative solutions. Production of 2D and 3D drawings brought the ideas to life.”

Rod Kitching, Toton, Nottinghamshire.
5th October 2015

“Stuart really listened to our ideas and presented a great selection of house extension options for us to choose from.

 

The concepts presented gave us a real perspective of what ideas would work best for our family needs.”

Angela Colclough, Denby.
27th September 2015

“Excellent service. Stuart took the time to understand our needs and came back with proposals that were creative and practical.”

Andy Shaw, Branston, Burton.
1st September 2015

“The builders I asked to quote found Stuart’s 3D visualisations a massive help as they clarified my ideas in a very clear manner. They knew exactly what I wanted, therefore they were able to help me even more.”

Pat Waynne, Shelton Lock, Derby.
15th August 2015

“2D plans are useless for me, I just can’t understand the space. The 3D designs stuart provided made it very clear and provided great options of what we could do with the space.”

Douglas Blanc, Chellaston, Derby.
15th August 2015

“Your presentation really focused our minds on our project.”

Penny Oldham, Oakwood, Derby.
22nd August 2015

“Thanks Stuart, you did everything we asked for and it was fantastic to see how the extension will look when finished.

 

We would definitely recommend you. Thanks very much.”

Jon Brough, Belper, Derbyshire.
1st August 2015

“… a very professional individual who brings a very honest and creative touch to his architectural designs… he listens very intently to your needs and requirements. Then once he puts your ideas to paper and adds his logical accent to them, it all makes sense especially the 3D visuals which gave an fantastic insight to how the finished layout would look.

 

Give him a call, you will not be disappointed.”

Mike Rawnsley, Alfreton.
27th June 2015

“Smart, imaginative, helpful, full of great ideas and will will use again. Understood what we wanted and delivered. Excellent professional service. Top man  with smart ideas.”

John Wynne, Shelton Lock, Derby.
15th June 2015

“Stuart took our ideas and made them real. His suggestions gave us a much better final solution.

 

Thank you.”

Andy Lee, Mickleover, Derby.
2nd May 2015

“We approached Stuart to draw up some plans for internal alterations and an extension to our house. Stuart listened to our ideas and offered some suggestions of his own that we hadn’t previously considered.

 

His initial visit was spent listening to our ideas and then measuring up for the plans/drawings, He kept in contact with us whilst he was preparing the plans/drawings and continued to offer suggestions. He produced 2 different designs for us, which helped greatly to decide which options to pursue further.

 

We then combined the best elements from each design and he produced a final set which covered everything we were looking for.

 

We were so pleased with the plans/drawings as they totally brought to life our vision, as we were able to see it in a 3D picture of the exterior, a 3D picture / layout of the interior and a 2D overhead plan.

 

We would highly recommend Stuart’s service – he listened to us and really took on board what we were looking for. He is very personable and his enthusiasm and passion for what he does shines through. We would highly recommend him.”

Paul Ranson, Sawley.
15th March 2015

Great service, spent time understanding what we required! Does as many design options & views as you require.

 

Big help, many thanks

Peter Stokes, Burton
15th July 2015

“Very pleased with designs, a excellent service with good ideas.”

Mr & Mrs Allseybrook, Mickleover, Derby.
20th April 2015

“Stuart didn’t just give us the opportunity to bring our ideas to life; more importantly they saved us money and ultimately gave us the best chance of making the right decision as to which of our ideas worked the best.”

Rich Barlow, Willington.
28th February 2014

“We are out growing our home and are in the very early stages of trying to decide whether to extend or move. 2D drawings don’t do it for us, therefore Stuart’s visual approached along with his architect expertise was a great benefit to us.”

Mrs Williams, Derby
25th October 2013

“He allowed us to test out 3 completely different designs. We can now make an informed decision.”

Mr Williams, Derby.
25th October 2013

“Great advice! My kitchen extension really came to life – my builder was really glad to have them.”

Mrs Cuthbertson, Hilton. 15th September 2013

“Stuart saved us £1000s by making the most of our floor layout with the use of 2D plans and 3D models, and made us realise that we needed smaller floor areas than originally thought.”

Mr Harvey, Darley Abbey, Derby. 25th August 2013

“We’re so grateful for your hard work in creating our designs. The 3Ds brought it to life and made us realise our dream extension. Many thanks!”

Mrs Covassin, Broadway, Derby. 2nd September 2013

Contact me

Whether you want to knock down a wall, venture into the loft or double the size of your home, I will help you achieve the space you are looking for.